OpEd
Danzig Versus Slayer: Who Boasts the Bigger Name?

Band Photo: Slayer (?)
Glenn Danzig’s recent comments and alleged behavior at Fun Fun Fun Fest provoked much talk among the heavy metal community. Mainstream publications such as Rolling Stone brought this conversation to a much larger audience. Besides trying to instigate a riot, Danzig bemoaned playing the Black Stage. He said he is as big as Slayer, so he should be on the larger Orange stage. The Slayer comment sparked a debate among Metal Underground’s readers. Who is bigger and more popular—Slayer or Danzig? Now that the question has been asked, I’ve done some searching to determine who has a larger fan base.
In addition to providing album sales numbers, I will look at some of the factors that contribute to the popularity of both bands. On one side, we have the blues-laden doom metal of Danzig. Often characterized as the Satanic Elvis, Danzig possesses unmistakable, deep vocal tones and lupine howls. Short but muscular, his mic-whipping, air-grabbing stage antics convey a barbaric image. On the other side, we have thrash metal legends, Slayer. In addition to being part of the Big 4 thrash acts of the 80s, they pushed the boundaries of speed, and broke ground for thrash, death and black metal. Kerry King's whammy bar solos perfectly relate the wicked vibe of each song. The battle cry of “SLAYEEEER” is as common at a metal concert as a Marshall half-stack.
Danzig showcased material as Danzig Legacy at Fun Fun Fun Fest, so Slayer is butting heads against not one band but three. The Misfits and Samhain portions of his set added a crossover appeal, which proved perfect for a fest that catered to punk and metal. Still, I’m going to assume that many of the Fiend Club members also listen to Danzig.
Besides Dave Lombardo, Slayer has boasted a stable lineup, without bringing over fans from previous bands. Kerry King spent time in Megadeth, but he doesn’t appear on any Megadeth albums, so he obviously didn’t pull fans from Megadeth. Fans will always recognize Dave Lombardo as Slayer’s drummer, even though he has commanded the beat for other bands such as Philm, Grip Inc. and Fantomas.
Slayer’s stability surely one-ups the musical-chair playing seen on each Danzig album following “4P.” Slayer boasts the same lineup—Tom Araya, Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman and Dave Lombardo, as it did on its 1983 debut “Show No Mercy.” Granted, Paul Bostaph (ex-Forbidden and Testament) spent nine years as Dave Lombardo’s replacement on drums.
Those nine years still represent more stability than the screen-length list of musicians that have played in Danzig and the Misfits. Most fans of Danzig’s solo band cite the first four records as his golden years. These recordings featured Chuck Biscuits, John Christ and Eerie Von. Since sending those three on their way, Prong’s Tommy Victor has become the go-to guy. Even though Metal Archives
lists Victor as a member since 1996, he is not credited until 2004 when he played guitar on “Circle of Snakes.”
Slayer’s solidarity of lineup has led to a continuity of sound. Sure, recent efforts such as “Christ Illusion” and “World Painted Blood” do not equal the quality of all albums up to and including “Seasons in the Abyss.” Danzig hasn’t released an album of “classic” consideration since “4P” in 1994. The Misfits and Samhain gained a much higher degree of popularity after disbanding. In fact, much of their popularity can be attributed to Metallica members wearing their t-shirts. Danzig and Slayer made their careers based on early material. Fans come out to concerts for the early material. This is the reason Slayer and Danzig became metal legends in the first place. Because many of these classic albums found a similar release schedule, fans were often faced with the challenge of buying the new Danzig or the new Slayer record.
Slayer and Danzig released defining records in 1988 and 1990. In 1988, Slayer released “South of Heaven,” while Danzig released his self-titled debut. “South of Heaven” peaked at position
#57 on the Billboard Charts and earned Silver status. Danzig charted at the 125th position.
Danzig’s “Mother” single, however, led to his debut to Gold status. Slayer followed up with “Seasons in the Abyss,” which landed at the 18th position and earned a Gold Record. That same year, Danzig reached the 45th position with “Danzig II: Lucifuge.”
Studio albums aren’t the sole indicator of this hypothetical contest. Slayer and Danzig also have a long list of movie credits. Slayer’s name appears on numerous soundtracks such as “Punisher: War Zone,” “Saw III,” “Judgment Night,” both “Jackass” films and “Gremlins 2.” Danzig-penned tracks also appear on the “Jackass” movie, as well as “The X-Files” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” TV shows. His most recent soundtrack contributions include “The Hangover” and Rob Zombies’ “Halloween.” Danzig made bit appearances in “The Prophecy II” and “Young Hollywood.” Slayer appeared on both late-night Jimmy shows—Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel. Danzig appeared on the network TV version of The John Stewart show in 1994,and recently made an appearance on Fox’s “The Red Eye.” In addition to his television and movie apperances, Glenn Danzig owns his own comic book company, Verotik, which he uses as a vehicle for horror stories
Merchandise represents another indicator of popularity outside the realm of musical releases. I see an abundance of Slayer and Danzig merch, especially Misfits t-shirts, but can’t say what band has higher sales. Next to Iron Maiden’s Eddie, The Crimson Ghost is the most visible mascot in heavy music. Borrowed from the 1946 Science Fiction television show, The Crimson Ghost is a marketing behemoth. Browsing Hot Topic’s Web site for Misfits’ merch yielded two pages of products. In addition to wearing the classic hooded skeleton on t-shirts, one can order headphones, hoodies, varsity jackets, bracelets, posters and other items.
A search for Slayer brought up only eleven items. While both bands, including Danzig’s solo band, have produced numerous items not listed on Hot Topic’s Web site, mall rats definitely show more love for all-things Danzig than Slayer. Both artists have archives of album-related t-shirts and other memorabilia. Because Slayer tours more often than Danzig, more fans may be decked out in "Slaytanic Wehrmacht" than the horned skull or Crimson Ghost. Without concrete numbers, I can not determine who sells more merch, though.
All of the above-listed information gives us factors to consider and reasons for both bands gaining legendary statuses, but in the end it’s about numbers. Who sold more recent albums—Slayer or Danzig? Danzig’s “Dethred Sabaoth,” released in 2010, sold 11, 700 copies in its first week of release in the United States, and landed at position #35. Slayer’s "World Painted Blood", released in 2009, peaked at position 12 and has sold 100,657. While current numbers of Danzig albums sold are not available, Slayer wears the heavy metal championship belt for pushing more units.
Some information is not available such as merchandize revenue and total units sold of “Dethred Sabaoth,” but based on Billboard chart positions and units sold, Slayer is a bigger name than Danzig. Slayer tours more often than Danzig and hasn’t muddied its name like Danzig did in his infamous “getting knocked out” video. Slayer recently participated in monumental Big 4 tour package with Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax. Although two decades late, Slayer holds two Grammies. Considering Danzig’s latest debacle, expect Slayer to move even further ahead of Danzig. What do you, the reader, think? Who is bigger—Slayer or Danzig?
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70 Comments on "Danzig Versus Slayer: Who's the Bigger Name?"
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Look I don't give a hoot about this argument but I'll say this. Danzig is an a$$hole for the sh!t he's been pulling and that lowers him in my book which makes Slayer the bigger band even though they weren't much better at times. But they're goin' stronger then Danzig could ever dream. My case rests.........
Plus Slayer is on the picture at the top so they win.........

Hi,Its funny they'd compare these 2 bands because Slayer is more thrash or death metal well Danzig sum would say punk others more towards industrial so..to COMPARE you shouldn't its dumb. Also if ur not including Misfits just Danzig than technically until Danzig's 1st cd came out say 91 before that for cd sales for Slayer counting wouldn't be fair. I like Slayer but..they are boring live and do wanna see Danzig live but..after this comment not as eager too see them. Also I know people who like say Danzig and hate metal which is sad but..a point.
I think Slayers career has been more consistant,a few duds like the punk covers album. I certainly liked Danzigs last album,but he put out alot of crap also. His first three albums are classics,i just wished the guy would stop talking,he continuously embarrasses himself. So yea,Slayers definately bigger for what its worth.
One thing I forgot to mention is Danzig and Slayer both owe part of their success to Rick Rubin. They both signed to Def American at the same time,. The careers of both bands really took off at this time with Danzig self-titled and Seasons.
# 26 said "Also I know people who like say Danzig and hate metal which is sad but..a point."
Yes, I agree. Danzig has a mainstream appeal that Slayer doesn't have. He also has a crossover appeal with punks that Slayer doesn't have. I don't think it's dumb to compare the two, even if stylistically they are dissimilar. Danzig opened the can of worms; I'm merely going fishing.
Cynic, I'm pretty sure trolling Slayer fans is the least healthy thing you could do :-)
I do find it hard to compare the latest albums - both are good and totally different - but in the case of popularity, the sales do speak volumes. Even if Danzig WAS as big a name or bigger, he's scaled back his public appearances (outside of making kitty litter purchases) with more limited tours and is no longer "as big as Slayer." Slayer is out there promoting their brand and their releases like a hard-working band and getting the results from their hard work and name recognition.
I would say Slayer had the bigger influence musically on the world. While not singlehandedly, they are hugely responsible for the current state of metal music in general. The speed, anger, harsh vocals, and touchy lyrical concepts are prevalent in almost every band you hear these days, whether it be black, death, rethrash especailly, or some subgenre or combination of any of those.
Cannibal corpse wouldnt even exist if it wasnt for the existence of bands like Slayer, Destruction and Kreator
Whereas, I cant htink of anythign Danzig did that wasnt already something happening in music. He made good songs, but he didnt really push music drastically in any way that it wasnt already heading towards, at least in my opinion.

#28 f***_A_Name
Well said, I couldn't understand how Glenn is credited having this huge influence. He just took what Alice Cooper and Kiss already done and brought it over to punk. Just because bands like Metallica covered him, doesn't mean he revolutionized the industry. Well anyways my vote is for Slayer. They are better known. They sell better. I'm sure they too can be A-holes but at least they are the same A-holes for the last 30yrs. I was a fan of Danzig 1-4 his popularity at the height of his career is no match for Slayer. Antics at Austin is just assurance that he would never come close
danzig hasnt done sh**, he's got like 1 good song that made him famous, though i find it irritating. slayer has a whole setlist of songs they can play every night that people want to hear. and you find me a metal band nowadays that isnt influenced by slayer.
slayer ftw

Rex_84
GnR if I remember correctly didn't have to hint at the audience to riot, they just did. I don't think Danzig could get them to riot even if he threw the first beer bottle at the police (he wouldn't). Danzig fans are soo excited/surprised at the numbers that his last album pushed. It wasn't that great, kinda boring and he needed boobs to sell it. WEAK. bands like Slayer would probably consider that a failure if they sold the same amount. Slayer all the way as for Danzig he's becoming a real life "Puss in Boots.

THE NEW ESSENTIAL DANZIG ALBUM 1. Twist of Blame 2. Am I Balding 3. Long way from being SLAYER 4. I'm the one(to blame) 5. Little Whimp 6. Can't Sing 7. Wicked Chicken Sammich 8. Come to Wendy's 9. I turned into a p***y 10. The coldest stage Not to mention Glenn Danzigs spin on some classics hits such as: 1. Take the money and run 2. Oh Danny boy(Please don't punch me again) And one he just made up f*** YOU AUSTIN, I GOT YOUR MONEY b****ES. The albums in stores now with that being said
SLAYER

Good article.
I love BOTH bands equally. Sometimes I'm in a Slayer mood, sometimes in a Danzig mood. While I'm sure the raw numbers favor Slayer, overall both bands have left their mark on music, have their own loyal fan bases, and continue to put out killer albums (both Deth Red Sabaoth and World Painted Blood kicked ass, in different ways). For me, it's Slayer AND Danzig FTW...

No disrespect to Slayer or their fans, as I am one, but this debate is stupid.
We all know that Slayer is bigger than Danzig but that doesn't mean that Danzig doesn't kick ass.
Deth Red Sabaoth was one hell of a come back album.
Slayer hasn't had a decent album since 1990.
Their entire career is based from 83-90.
But, then again, those five albums are just as legendary as they were then and everyone still want to hear Raining Blood (personally, I prefer Dead Skin Mask).
We all know Danzig has an attitude. This isn't news.
All the Slayer fanboys are getting riled up over nothing, which isn't surprising, considering some of them are stupid enough to carve SLAYER in their foreheads.
Anyway, Slayer is the bigger name, Danzig says crazy sh**. I don't give a f***. I'd rather listen to Danzig.
^that is frikken nasty....ha!
glen has some killer tunes, but he acts like a fvckin turd, and I find it hard to take him seriously...but then kerry king is also kinda a fvckin turd and I can't take him seriously either...but slayer has many more killer tunes than all three of glens bands ever did...and some of the sickest drumming ever recorded, like this:
NP---Killing Fields---Bostaph fvcking OWNS \m/
Paul Bostaph is a great drummer. I first saw him on the "Divine Intervention" tour. Then, I saw him jam with Exodus and later on with Testament. He brings great drumming to already legendary thrash bands. I wish I could have seen him with Forbidden, too.
Slayer seems to have cut out "Divine Intervention" material from their set. I don't think the album is great throughout, like the albums before it, but it has a few, newer classic. "213," "Killing Fields," "Sex, Murder, Art," "Dittohead," those songs blow away anything off of "Christ Illusion," World Painted Blood" or "God Hates Us All." However, I enjoy hearing "Payback." That song has such attitude and fluid rhythms.

Not a Slayer fan at all, but as far as bigger than Danzig? They probably are... But musically, Glenn has created a more diverse body of music that at this rate the guys in Slayer will never catch up too.. Slayer have never been that kind of band and that's fine...Not putting them down... But Glenn is one guy (sans Biscuit,Eerie Von, etc...)...It's like comparing Elvis to the Beatles.. I'd say Danzig is more talented (yes,the guy is a colossal douche) but really... he's created a much more massive body of work than Slayer...(Misfits,Samhain,and the first two Danzig lps are groundbreaking punk,thrash,goth, AND metal) ... As far as thrash goes... I'll take the Misfits' "Earth A.D." over "Reign in Blood" anyday... But lp sales and popularity? I'd garner Slayer wins that contest..They also seem to treat their fans better...

Danzig has written songs for Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison which orbisons song is also on the less than zero soundtrack. He also wrote a song for the hangover 2 soundtrack and did a kick a$$ duet with melissa auf der maur. Not to mention he did the aria cd s that top billboards classical list.
The man has been around for 34 years... Changing the music along the way. Earth Ad was a thrash milestone and a new direction before samhain.. Hence the metallica covers. Slayer are great but Danzig is legendary despite his bullsh**. He is just as big as slayer. Not bigger.
Wheez...danzig is more talented than slayer? im wondering how so. Musically, lyrically, artistically? i disagree on all counts. danzig did nothing original. he's no dud but he cant hold a candle to the consistently great metal albums that slayer has put out throughout their career. and bristowe, slayer was once upon a time cool? they are metal for the ages. never wavered in the material that they put out. and tom araya still sounds like tom araya. they are still cool and im not their biggest fan but you cannot deny their influence or consistency. this argument is rediculous. where is all this talent that danzig allegedly has???
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Slayer, no contest.
A more fair fight should have been between Slayer and Anthrax.
The edge in that one also goes to Slayer.
Glen who?
Didn't see him playing Yankee Stadium.
Slayer may never release another RIB but Danzig never had anything close to that to start with.
Slayer has always maintained, if not innovative albums then at least consistent.
The AC/DC of thrash they are and will always be.
I'm not counting "Diabolous In Musica" as that was just embarrassing and the band learnd from that mistake quick enough.
I could go on and on but why bother?
Slayer.
Slayer.
Slayer.